Since entering the broadcasting booth in 2017, following the conclusion of a 14-year playing career with the Dallas Cowboys, Tony Romo has blossomed into one of the best and most recognizable commentators of his era.
However, his voice, mannerisms, and constant desire to redirect a conversation away from what’s happening on the field may be wearing thin the patience of viewers and fans.
Tony Romo Addresses Criticisms Following Wild Card Weekend
Romo was under fire and ruthlessly mocked on social media after calling the playoff game between the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars alongside Jim Nantz for CBS.
During the game, Romo repeatedly made off-putting noises and provided analysis that was blatantly incorrect. Romo, who was once praised for his ability to predict an upcoming play or break down an offense’s formation from the booth, has become a shell of himself in that regard.
In an interview with “SiriusXM’s” Adam Schein, Romo revealed that he, along with several members of the CBS crew, was battling an illness this weekend. “We were just driving through, but you’re not going to miss a playoff game, it’s too much fun,” Romo said.
In an interview this morning with SiriusXM’s Adam Schein, Tony Romo sort of responds to the negative response to his call of Bills-Jaguars. It was also revealed that Romo was sick on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/Guw2UzFpDe
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) January 14, 2026
Romo signed a 10-year contract with CBS following the conclusion of the 2019 regular season, which will pay him $180 million. Fans have seen Romo at the height of his powers, so it’s fair to say that his shortcomings this past weekend weren’t the beginning of a trend.
However, he has reverted to that style of polarizing broadcasting several times in the past. Most notably, when Romo and Nantz called Super Bowl 58.
“Anytime you’re in a position like we are, we’re on the air for three, three-and-a-half hours,” Romo said. “You’re always trying to do the best you can. There’s always going to be moments where there’s great stuff and then other stuff, it’s just part of being in your position. You just go back to work and do a great job and that’s the fun part about this, it’s sports. That’s what makes it fun. We’re just trying to make everyone enjoy the show, learn a little bit and have a great time. For me, that’s what makes sports amazing. It’s fun.”
Romo and Nantz will be on the call for Saturday’s AFC Divisional matchup between the Bills and the Denver Broncos. It’ll be an opportunity for him to put last weekend in the rearview mirror and rebound.
If Josh Allen going up against the AFC’s top-seeded team and one of the best defenses in football isn’t enough to motivate Romo, being aware of the criticisms and knowing what he has to improve upon certainly should do the trick.
